Backflow.
Del. Code tit. 16, § 7934
in effect(a) For purposes of this section:
(1) “Backflow” means the movement of water back in the direction from which it was flowing.
(2) “Backflow preventer” means a device that prevents backflow.
(3) “Backsiphonage” means backflow caused by negative pressure, which occurs when there is a drop in water pressure resulting in the water flowing back into the water service line.
(4) “Low hazard building” means a building in which any backflow that does occur meets the following conditions:
a. Occurs only by backsiphonage.
b. Does not create a health risk or health hazard.
c. Does not disrupt the service of piped water for human consumption or impair the potability of that water.
d. Does not pose a risk to any fresh water supply.
e. The pumping system involved does not connect to a treatment system used to convey wastewater, fertilizers, or chemicals, or that is used to provide fire protection.
f. The water system involved does not draw from more than 1 aquifer without a backflow preventer on the discharge line of each well.
(b) Subject to subsection (c) of this section, a county or municipality may not require backflow preventers to be installed or, if already installed, to be subject to inspections, in low hazard buildings of any of the following types:
(1) Single-family residences.
(2) Single-family residences with conditional uses that permit professional offices.
(3) Professional offices.
(4) Commercial buildings.
(c) If a low hazard building has fresh water supplied by a public well, backflow preventers must be installed in compliance with 7 DE. Admin. Code, Regulation 7301, governing the construction and use of wells.
Source: DE Code (Official Site)URL: https://delcode.delaware.gov/title16/c079/index.htmlFetched: 10/4/2026
Source: DE Code (Official Site)URL: https://delcode.delaware.gov/title16/c079/index.htmlFetched: 6/28/2026